By the river

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "By the river" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a location or setting that is adjacent to a river. Example: "We set up our picnic by the river, enjoying the sound of the flowing water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

By the river, all seemed still.

The New York Times - Travel

By the river and with a binocular, I felt free and safe.

The New York Times

Salmon are in the River Bollin and kingfishers are occasionally spotted by the river's edge.

Independent

They ate by the river.

The New Yorker

Claimed by the river, his mother explained.

The New York Times

"Fran saw you down by the river".

The New Yorker

She liked walking by the river.

The New Yorker

Neil Young's monstrous Down By the River.

The Guardian - Music

In association with Caught By The River.

The Guardian

It is bordered to the east by the River Roding and Barking Creek, to the south by the River Thames, and to the west by the River Lea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a reception outside the mansion by the river.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the river" to create a vivid sense of place, especially in descriptive writing. Combine it with sensory details to enhance the reader's experience.

Common error

Avoid using "in the river" when you mean "by the river". "In the river" implies being submerged or within the water, while "by the river" suggests proximity to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the river" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location. As seen in Ludwig, it specifies where an action occurs or where something is situated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Travel

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the river" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote a location adjacent to a river. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct. Its frequency of use is "very common", as evidenced by numerous examples in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While alternatives like "riverside" or "along the riverbank" exist, "by the river" remains a clear and widely understood way to describe proximity to a river. Remember to use it thoughtfully to evoke a sense of place in your writing, and avoid confusing it with "in the river". Therefore, Ludwig recommends using this phrase with confidence in your written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Riverside

A simpler, one-word adjective indicating location near a river.

Along the riverbank

Specifies location is along the edge of the river.

Near the river's edge

More descriptive, emphasizing proximity to the water.

Adjacent to the river

A more formal way of saying "next to the river".

Close to the river

Indicates a location in the general vicinity of the river.

On the banks of the river

Similar to "along the riverbank" but emphasizes the raised land.

At the river's side

Poetic alternative describing a location directly next to the river.

Riverfront

Describes a property or area that faces the river.

Bordering the river

Emphasizes that the river forms a boundary.

Overlooking the river

Specifies a higher vantage point with a view of the river.

FAQs

How can I use "by the river" in a sentence?

You can use "by the river" to describe a location or activity near a river, such as "We had a picnic by the river" or "There's a park by the river."

What's the difference between "by the river" and "on the river"?

"By the river" indicates proximity to the riverbank, while "on the river" suggests being on the water itself, such as in a boat.

What can I say instead of "by the river"?

You can use alternatives like "riverside", "along the riverbank", or "near the river" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "near the river" instead of "by the river"?

Yes, "near the river" is a correct and often interchangeable alternative to "by the river", although "by the river" can sometimes imply a closer proximity.